The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the LORD for ever. (Psalms 23:1-6)
What a picture of our Lord this presents; Provider, Shelter, Salvation, Rest. And the three Psalms together show us a timeline of History that was not perceived at the time it was written. The Cross, The Christian age, The millenial Kingdom. Jesus Christ goes from The sacrificial lamb on the Cross to the Saving Shepherd of the Church to the Sovereign King of all Creation.
The promises that GOD gives us in His watchcare and provision, His correction and guidance, and protection and presence are all presented here in this passage. So much can be said because our GOD is an Awesome GOD. He gives us so much more than we can even imagine. He provides our needs, He provided our Salvation and continues to care for us, so we don't fear. He teaches and chastens from His Word so we trust and obey. He stands strong on our behalf so we at peace and rest, and He is present with always, so we are safe and secure.
Make no mistake, those in Christ, who have been born again, don't have it easy in this life. This psalm does not mean that we will not be tempted, or tried, or even persecuted. But despite the effects of this sinful broken world on us, and those that oppose GOD and the things of GOD, we perservere because He is faithful and keeps His Word and His promises. Whether you are of GOD's Jewish flock by faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, or you are of His other flock, a Gentile Christian by the power of GOD, if you have exercised saving faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, you are one of His and He will keep you until the end.
But, only those that know Jesus Christ, who have repented of their sIn, and surrendered to GOD on His terms can be accepted into the beloved and hold to these promises. GOD is not willing that any should perish, Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He calls you to Himself that you may receive by faith a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and enter into His fold that you may rest in Him today and forever.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
The promises that GOD gives us in His watchcare and provision, His correction and guidance, and protection and presence are all presented here in this passage. So much can be said because our GOD is an Awesome GOD. He gives us so much more than we can even imagine. He provides our needs, He provided our Salvation and continues to care for us, so we don't fear. He teaches and chastens from His Word so we trust and obey. He stands strong on our behalf so we at peace and rest, and He is present with always, so we are safe and secure.
Make no mistake, those in Christ, who have been born again, don't have it easy in this life. This psalm does not mean that we will not be tempted, or tried, or even persecuted. But despite the effects of this sinful broken world on us, and those that oppose GOD and the things of GOD, we perservere because He is faithful and keeps His Word and His promises. Whether you are of GOD's Jewish flock by faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, or you are of His other flock, a Gentile Christian by the power of GOD, if you have exercised saving faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, you are one of His and He will keep you until the end.
But, only those that know Jesus Christ, who have repented of their sIn, and surrendered to GOD on His terms can be accepted into the beloved and hold to these promises. GOD is not willing that any should perish, Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He calls you to Himself that you may receive by faith a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and enter into His fold that you may rest in Him today and forever.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
RSS Feed